Chocolate Fondue Fountain: A Decadent Delight Or Disaster?

A chocolate fountain is a fun and interactive dessert that can be used for birthday parties, holidays, and other special events. It is also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. While a chocolate fountain may seem intimidating, it is actually quite simple to set up and use. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started.

When setting up your chocolate fountain, it is important to choose a location that is away from any wind, heating or air conditioning ducts, and foot traffic. You should also ensure that the fountain is level to allow for even chocolate flow. The type of chocolate you use is also important. High-quality chocolate bars with a higher cocoa butter percentage, such as Guittard or Peter's Chocolate, are recommended. However, if you only have access to semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can add extra coconut oil or vegetable oil to help it flow smoothly.

Once your fountain is set up and your chocolate is melted, it's time to choose some dipping items! Items such as strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, Rice Krispies treats, and cookies are all great options. It's important to choose items that can sit out at room temperature for a while and that are easy to skewer.

Now that you know the basics, go ahead and give it a try! A chocolate fountain is a fun and impressive way to elevate any dessert spread.

Chocolate fountain vs fondue pot

A chocolate fountain and a fondue pot are both great ways to serve chocolate fondue, but there are some differences between the two. Here are some things to consider when choosing between a chocolate fountain and a fondue pot:

Chocolate Fountain:

• A chocolate fountain is a great way to make a statement at a party or event. It creates a stunning visual display that will impress your guests.
• Chocolate fountains are typically larger than fondue pots, so they are better suited for serving a large number of people.
• They can be more difficult to set up and require proper levelling to ensure even chocolate flow.
• Chocolate fountains need to be cleaned immediately after use, as the chocolate will harden and make clean-up more difficult.
• Chocolate fountains can be loud, especially the cheaper models.
• Chocolate fountains do not melt chocolate, so you will need to melt the chocolate separately before adding it to the fountain.

Fondue Pot:

• Fondue pots are typically smaller and more compact than chocolate fountains, making them better suited for smaller gatherings or intimate settings.
• They are generally quieter than chocolate fountains.
• Fondue pots are easier to set up and use, as you don't need to worry about levelling or viscosity as much.
• Clean-up can be more flexible with a fondue pot, as you don't have to worry about the chocolate hardening immediately.
• Fondue pots are great for creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere, making them perfect for date nights or small get-togethers.

In terms of the chocolate used, both options typically use a combination of semi-sweet, milk, and bittersweet chocolate to create a well-balanced flavour that is not too sweet. It is important to use high-quality chocolate and avoid chocolate chips, as they can affect the taste and texture of the fondue. Additionally, water should be avoided at all costs, as it can cause the chocolate to seize and ruin the fondue.

Ultimately, the decision between a chocolate fountain and a fondue pot depends on the scale of your event and the atmosphere you want to create. Chocolate fountains are perfect for large parties and creating a wow factor, while fondue pots are ideal for smaller, more intimate gatherings.

What type of chocolate to use

When it comes to choosing the right chocolate for your fondue or chocolate fountain, it's important to consider both taste and functionality. Here are some tips and options to help you select the perfect chocolate for your next chocolate fondue or fountain experience:

Type of Chocolate:

• Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate is a crowd-pleaser and goes well with almost any dipper. It has a more milky flavour and is less sweet than semi-sweet chocolate.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: This type of chocolate has the highest sugar content among the different varieties. It is often used in chocolate chip cookies and can be too sweet for some people when used in large quantities.
• Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate pairs perfectly with salty dippers like candied bacon, pretzels, or potato chips. When using dark chocolate, pay attention to the cacao percentage, as a higher cacao content leads to more bitter chocolate. Aim for chocolate with a cacao percentage between 60% and 70% to avoid excessive bitterness.
• White Chocolate: White chocolate is an elegant choice for a classy fondue party. It tastes great with strawberries, pretzels, chocolate cookies, cheesecake, or brownie bites.

Chocolate Chips vs. Melting Wafers:

While you can use chocolate chips for fondue or a chocolate fountain, it is recommended to use melting wafers instead. Chocolate chips contain stabilizers to help them maintain their shape, which can affect the texture and smoothness of the melted chocolate. Melting wafers, on the other hand, are designed to melt and stay liquid, resulting in a smoother and creamier dip.

Specific Product Recommendations:

• Chocolate Pro Melting Wafers: These wafers are designed for use in chocolate fountains and will also work well in a fondue pot or double boiler. They have a smooth texture and a rich flavour, making them perfect for dipping fruit, pound cake, cookies, and more.
• Ghirardelli or Guittard Bittersweet or Semisweet Chips: These brands are recommended by some sources for their ability to melt well and produce a delicious fondue.
• Baker's Chocolate Baking Bars: If you can't find the desired chocolate chips, consider using chocolate baking bars, which are often found above the chocolate chips in the baking aisle.

Customizing Your Chocolate Fondue:

• Experiment with different combinations of chocolate to create a unique flavour profile. For example, you can mix semi-sweet and milk chocolate or add a touch of white chocolate for a creamier, lighter version.
• Enhance your fondue by adding a little something extra. For instance, you can include a dash of liqueur like Kahlua or experiment with different extracts like orange extract or peppermint to give your fondue a unique twist.

How to melt the chocolate

Melting chocolate is a simple process, but it requires patience. You can melt chocolate in the microwave, in a double boiler, or in an Instant Pot.

If you are using the microwave method, place the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl, and heat in 30-40 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth.

If you are using a double boiler, fill a pot with one to two inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl that is larger than the pot on top of the pot, and add the chocolate to the bowl. Stir the chocolate until lumps dissolve.

If you are using an Instant Pot, add a cup of water to the pot and press the "Saute" button, setting it to "Less" mode. When the water starts to simmer, place a metal bowl over the Instant Pot and add the chocolate to the bowl. Stir the chocolate with a heat-safe spatula until lumps dissolve.

Regardless of the method you use, make sure that all utensils are completely dry before you begin. Water can cause the chocolate to seize.

For chocolate fountains, you will need to add oil to the chocolate to get the right viscosity. A ratio of one tablespoon of coconut oil per cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips works well and enhances the flavour. You can also use canola or vegetable oil, but this may affect the taste. Stir the oil into the melted chocolate until it is fully combined.

Viscosity and consistency

The viscosity and consistency of the chocolate are crucial factors in determining the success of your chocolate fountain. The chocolate must be fluid enough to flow smoothly through the fountain, but not so thin that it becomes runny and loses its shape.

To achieve the ideal viscosity, it is important to select the right type of chocolate and prepare it correctly. High-quality chocolate bars with a higher cocoa butter percentage, such as Guittard or Peter's Chocolate, are recommended. Chocolate bars are preferred over baking chocolate or chocolate chips, as they tend to melt better and produce a smoother flow. However, if you only have access to semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can still use them, but you may need to add extra coconut oil or vegetable oil to improve the flow.

When melting the chocolate, it is crucial to use a gentle heat source and avoid overheating. You can use a double boiler, an Instant Pot, or a microwave, but make sure to stir frequently and heat in short intervals to prevent scorching. Adding a small amount of oil, such as coconut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, will help thin the chocolate and improve its flow. However, be cautious not to add too much oil, as it can make the chocolate too runny.

Additionally, it is important to level your chocolate fountain and ensure it is stable. Any unevenness in the fountain can affect the flow of the chocolate and cause inconsistencies.

Finally, be prepared to adjust the viscosity as needed. If the chocolate seems too thick, you can add more melted coconut oil or oil of your choice. Simply mix a small amount of chocolate with the oil and pour it back into the fountain, stirring gently to combine.

By following these tips and paying close attention to the viscosity and consistency of your chocolate, you can create a stunning and delicious chocolate fountain that your guests will surely enjoy!

Dipping foods

When it comes to choosing foods to dip into your chocolate fountain, there are endless options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fresh and dried fruits are classic choices for chocolate fountains. Go for options that are firm enough to be skewered and not too juicy, as watery fruits can cause the chocolate to seize. Here are some specific suggestions:

• Strawberries
• Bananas (prepare right before serving to prevent browning)
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Cherries with the stem
• Pineapple slices
• Watermelon (cubed)
• Honeydew melon chunks
• Fresh figs
• Plump dates
• Coconut pieces

Sweet Treats

From cookies to cakes and everything in between, there are plenty of sweet treats that can be dipped into a chocolate fountain. Here are some ideas to try:

• Pirouette cookies
• Pretzel sticks
• Marshmallows (larger ones are easier to skewer)
• Oreos
• Nutter Butters
• Biscotti
• Shortbread cookies
• Brownies (cut into small pieces)
• Mini donuts
• Mini cakes or cupcakes
• Rice Krispie treats
• Cheesecake bites
• Honeycomb
• Popcorn (sweet, salty, or caramel)
• Fudge

Savoury Options

While sweet options are more traditional, some savoury foods can also be delicious when paired with chocolate. Consider these options:

• Pretzels
• Potato chips
• Breadsticks
• Crackers

Nuts

Nuts are another great option for chocolate fountains, especially larger varieties that are easier to skewer. Here are some types of nuts that pair well with chocolate:

• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Peanuts
• Pecans
• Walnuts

Frequently asked questions